Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.

Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.

Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Content Overview

Depression: What It Is And Signs To Look For

Summary

In general, depression is an ongoing sad mood or a loss of interest in activities that continues for an extended period of time such as a few weeks. (For more information about depression, see: What Is Depression?)

Depression can show up as a combination of symptoms occurring together or as symptoms showing up separately over a period of time. Signs of depression include symptoms such as a persistent sad mood to changes in sleep patterns. If a list of the symptoms to look for doesn't help determine whether depression is present, there are simple tests (including online tests) to help determine if depression is present. .

Depression commonly occurs with other medical illnesses.

Both patients and caregivers are prone to depression.

There are times when a depressive state is actually caused by a health condition and/or treatment - not just accompanying it.

For more information about the reality of depression during the journey after a diagnosis, click here.

If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms for a period of time such as two weeks, speak to your doctor about a thorough screening or evaluation for depression. He or she will be able to help you determine if you have depression and if treatment is warranted. Clinical depression is treatable with medications and other techniques.